Moose..........do you still like the Optima Batteries

[QUOTE=GeoFisher;359313]A few years ago, this topic was hot and heavy and you defended them quite a bit.

I want to know if you still like them..........I REALLY need new batteries, and if I can get 4-5 years out of a MAINTENANCE FREE battery.......that is GOLDEN.

Thanks,

Geo[/QUOTE]

I told you once George and I am not going to tell you again. Carquest Gold Deep Cycle Marine battery. Had 2 of them for my 24v trolling motor since 2005 and they are still going strong. You have seen my boat and even at my biggest fighting KY winds, I could fish 14-16 hours with no problem. Dual 10amp charger and they were ready for the next night. For the money, best deal going in batteries.

I worked in the Sears Auto center for some time. Had Many Optima returns. They are very tempromental charging. Sears Diehard has a new series battery called Platinum. The have a marine deep cycle version. These batteries have a fiberglass mat between plates that absorbs the acid and strenghthens plates. Vibration resistant. There are significantly more plates and plate surface than optima spiral gel cells. Reserve hours are 2x that of same size optima. These batteries can be rapid charged without damage. The can be mounted on side, end or upright (but not upsidedown) and in nonvented areas. These are the most advanced batteries out there. Price is about 10% more than same size optima. Before you buy, better look at them. And I no longer work at Sears.


[quote=GeoFisher;359313]A few years ago, this topic was hot and heavy and you defended them quite a bit.

I want to know if you still like them..........I REALLY need new batteries, and if I can get 4-5 years out of a MAINTENANCE FREE battery.......that is GOLDEN.

Thanks,

Geo[/quote]

[QUOTE]There are significantly more plates and plate surface than optima spiral gel cells. Reserve hours are 2x that of same size optima.[/QUOTE]


According to what inforamtion I got with my Optima, (when buying it)......Optima batteries are "spiral cell technology" Not "gell cell" batteries at all????:confused:



Couple of sites to check IMHO

[URL]http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_edge/[/URL]

[URL]http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/[/URL]

sorry they are a agm battery. did not mean to split hairs. just thought i would indicte there is another option. Compare optima D31m to platinum PM1 (d31 size)

The PM-1 Platinum Marine Battery from DieHard features 205 minutes of reserve capacity and 1150 cold cranking amps. Provides power for RVs,
trolling motors,
marine accessories and starting needs. The combination stud/post terminal design allows for multiple connections.
Its corrosion-resistant high quality tin-coated brass terminals provide reliable starting power in all weather conditions. Its rugged,
military-grade construction features robust casing for increased compression and offers superior vibration resistance.

Longer off-season storage time - ideal for boats
Deep discharge recovery - ideal for marine & deep cycle applications
Plates made of 99.99% pure virgin lead
High purity grade acid held safely in place by glass mats; non-spillable design
Absorbed Glass Mat construction provides mounting flexibility & guarantees longer service life
3-Year Free Replacement Limited Warranty



Optima D31M, SC31DM, Blue Top Deep Cycle Marine, Battery 8052-161 FREE SHIPPING
$232.00
"OPTIMA Batteries Blue Top offer the clean, reliable, high-power output and deep cycle characteristics that have made OPTIMA batteries famous are
available for marine applications.Blue Top Type: / D31M These batteries are dual purpose. They are designed for engine starting and deep cycling
applications and for use in boats with large accessory loads. Recommended charging information: Alternator: 13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery charger: 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate. Cyclic Applications: 14.7 volts,
no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). When current falls below 1 amp, finish with 2 amp constant
current for 1 hour for D34M and 3 amp constant current for 1 hour for D31M. Rapid Recharge: Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated).
Maximum current: No limit as long as temperature <125°F (51.7°C). Maximum recharge time: Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float charge: 13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage). All limits must be strictly adhered to.
Application: Marine Manufacturer: Optima Model Number: D31M Dimensions: 12.81 x 6.5 x 9.38 Post Type: SAE & Stud Description:
Blue Top Starting & Deep Cycle Battery CCA @0°F: 900 CA @32°F: 1125 Reserve Capacity: 155 Warranty: 18 Months Free Replacement

Recommended charging information: Alternator: 13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit. Battery charger: 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum,
6-12 hours approximate. Cyclic Applications: 14.7 volts, no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125?F (51.7?C).
When current falls below 1 amp, finish with 2 amp constant current for 1 hour for D34M and 3 amp constant current for 1 hour for D31M.
Rapid Recharge: Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated). Maximum current: No limit as long as temperature <125?F (51.7?C). Maximum recharge time:
Charge until current drops below 1 amp. Float charge: 13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
All limits must be strictly adhered to.

This was copied and pasted from web sites. Note reserve cap for each, replacement warrenties and charging instructions for optima.

Sorry you not happy

[quote=aceoky;359811]According to what inforamtion I got with my Optima, (when buying it)......Optima batteries are "spiral cell technology" Not "gell cell" batteries at all????:confused:



Couple of sites to check IMHO

[URL]http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_edge/[/URL]

[URL]http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/[/URL][/quote]

Sorry I wasn't "unhappy", I was confused when you said "gell cell" and talked about the glass mats holding the lead in place (which both possess) .

It's "all good" :)